Stephanie Mayne

Auckland Zoo Hippo

Submerged, you are swift/shy elusive,
Only a hint of yourself.
Come feeding time,
You lumber in lightly and
Open that huge handbag of a mouth of yours
Quince pink, extraordinary!
Your tusks are stout, blackened bananas,
Your garbage breath billows from gusting insinkerators,
Your roar is the anguish of ages.
I love the cinnamon typography of your skin,
The twitch of your undersized ears,
That smile that creases to whiskers.
You’re favourite-aunt fat and appealing
Personality plus-sized…and perfect!

Stephanie Mayne is an Auckland librarian who writes poetry and short
stories whenever she gets the chance. She enjoys spending time with
family and friends and playing with her dogs.